Ruth Marie Ehalt
June 25, 1935 - February 25, 2013
It is with broken hearts that the family of Ruth Marie (nee Schiltz) Ehalt of Caleb Village, Humboldt, SK, announces her sudden and unexpected death on the evening of Monday, February 25, 2013, at Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt. She was 77 years of age. Ruth, the second of three children, was born to Roman and Freda (nee Schreiner) Schiltz on June 25, 1935, at Humboldt. She grew up on the family farm in the Annaheim district and attended Hat Creek School, completing her Grade 10 education. During the summer of 1952, while working at Nicky's Store in Annaheim, Ruth met the love of her life, Willard Ehalt. On June 1, 1954, they were married in St. Ann's R.C. Church in Annaheim. Ruth and Willard began their life together on the Ehalt farm west of Annaheim. Over the next 11 years, they were blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters. Starting early in their marriage, Ruth and Willard worked at many locations: Edson, AB, where Ruth was employed in a café; Biggar, SK; near Wiseton, SK, on a farm and cattle ranch where she cooked for the hired men and looked after the elderly couple who owned the ranch; and Naicam, SK, where she and Willard both worked on a mixed-farm again. In the fall of 1958, they moved to Humboldt. Ruth was employed at various places, including the Golden West Drive-In Theatre, Ohio Café, Princess Café and the bar at the Pioneer Hotel. Those were very busy years - but also very good years, laced with many precious memories. In 1967, another move was made to Lanigan, SK. There, Ruth worked at various places, one of which was Central Parkland Lodge, a 10-year career which she found most rewarding. After residing in Lanigan for 20 years, the Ehalts relocated to Allan, SK, where they bought their first hotel. While living there, Ruth took up bowling. In the 10 years they resided in Allan, many lasting friendships were formed. Life for the Ehalts came full circle when, after 30 years, they returned to make their home in Humboldt. They still retained ownership of the Allan Hotel, but also purchased the Windsor Hotel in Humboldt. Running two hotels was quite a challenge and far from retiring. In 1997, the sale of the Allan Hotel was finalized. In 2002, after an enjoyable six-and-a-half years of operating the Windsor Hotel, Ruth and Willard sold it, bought a house in Humboldt, and retired; however, the Windsor is now owned and operated by their family members again. In addition to her busy lifestyle, raising her children, and working outside the home, Ruth attained her Grade 12 diploma, took an accounting course, and many Carlton Trail Regional College classes, keeping her mind sharp and expanding her knowledge in a variety of subjects, including interior design, Chinese cooking, sewing machine repair, and understanding motor vehicles for ladies. In her "spare time", she enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, reading, quilting, and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens. Ruth was a past choir member of St. Mary's R.C. Church in Lanigan, and in Humboldt was a member of St. Augustine R.C. Church, often helping with hospitality and ushering. She was also a member of the C.W.L. since 1967. A highlight in Ruth and Willard's life occurred on June 1, 2004, when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Not long ago, they sold their house and bought a condo at Caleb Village. Soon after, due to mobility problems, Willard became a resident of St. Mary's Villa. Ruth continued to reside in their condo. This all-around "special little lady" with an outgoing personality and a good sense of humor, complete with a mischievous side and a love of shenanigans, will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her, and there are a countless number of them. Ruth will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband of 58 years, Willard Ehalt of St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt; their five children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren: Randy Ehalt of Calgary, AB; Gordon (Donna) Ehalt of Pierceland, SK, and family, Kristen (Neil) Korotash and their children Kailen and Evan, Lindsay Leon, and Dillan Ehalt; Doug (Bev) Ehalt of Lanigan, SK, and family, Danen Ehalt and Chad Ehalt; Kathy Loessl of Humboldt (fiancé John Hofmann of Calgary, AB) and family, Janine Loessl and Shane Loessl; and Marilyn Pratchler of Humboldt and family, Mathew Pratchler, Caitlin Pratchler, and Daniel Pratchler; two brothers: Howard (Lucille) Schiltz of Rosetown, SK; and Harvey (Anita) Schiltz of Humboldt; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws of the Ehalt family. She was predeceased by her parents, Roman and Freda (nee Schreiner) Schiltz. The Prayer Service for Ruth was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Friday, March 1, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., led by Marlene Van Dresar and organist Marie Aubin. Scripture readers were Harvey Schiltz and Howard Schiltz and the eulogy was delivered by Kathy Loessl. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Gregory Roth and Fr. Bernard Stauber. Others taking part were: Randy Ehalt, crossbearer; Willard Ehalt, urnbearer; Kristen Korotash and Janine Loessl, scripture readers; Marilyn Pratchler, intentions; Danen Ehalt and Chad Ehalt, giftbearers; Lora Fraess and Linda Fraess, memorial table attendants. An honor guard was formed by members of the C.W.L. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Ruth's life". Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either Kinsmen Telemiracle or the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
